Fluffy Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 C mashed sweet potatoes, unseasoned
• 3/4 C milk *
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp plus 1/4C granulated sugar, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 Tb unsalted butter, partly melted
• 4 1/4 – 4 1/2 C all purpose flour
• 2-3 Tb melted butter, for brushing

Directions

1. If you are starting with a whole sweet potato, peel it and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Put the cubes in a small saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Cook over medium-high heat for 20-30 minutes, until a fork slides in easily. Drain, mash with a few tablespoons of milk, then measure out 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes and set it aside.
2. Warm the milk to 115-120 degrees F. Stir the yeast and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar into the warm milk until dissolved, then leave it for 5 minutes to proof.
3. Meanwhile, add 4 cups of flour, the salt, and the remaining sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Fit the mixer with the dough hook and turn it on low. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in 6 tablespoons of butter, the mashed sweet potatoes, and the yeast mixture. Raise the speed and continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl. If the dough needs it, mix in an additional 1/4 cup of flour.
4. Move the dough into a lightly greased large bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. Grease a 9x13-inch pan and set it aside.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, pinching the seam closed, then place it seam side down in the prepared pan. Continue with the rest of the dough. Lightly coat a sheet of plastic wrap with olive oil or cooking spray so it will not cling to the rolls. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for an additional 60 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers register 200 degrees F.
8. Brush the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve warm or at room temperature. Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to several days.